Labor Day fireworks in Monett

September 5, 2012

Times Photos by Murray Bishoff

Monett's Fourth of July celebration, postponed due to heat and dryness, was held on Labor Day by the Freedom and Fireworks Committee. A.M. Pyrotechnics, of Buffalo, provided the fireworks. The event was held at Monett's South Park.

The crowd began to gather as the sun began to set and South Park cooled for the evening. The crowd that gathered on the soccer fields included a large percentage of young people and a strong representation of the Hispanic community.
(Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)
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Playing on the Monett South Park lawn with a frisbee was a popular recreation activity for spectators waiting for the fireworks on Monday evening.
(Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)
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Three girls had fun simultaneously throwing frisbees. The soccer fields provided a convenient place for children to play. Spectators sat around the edges of the field in their lawn chairs to see the fireworks.
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The Pierce City High School cheer squad offered Weber's Folly at the Labor Day celebration. Joel Barrientos tossed the basketball through the hoop to see where the ball comes to rest to match the winning color with a prize.
(Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)
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Lain'z Hot Rod Gang, from Branson, provided the last set of live music for Monett's Labor Day celebration. Shown from left are: Lain Wendler, guitar and vocals; Steve Richie, drums; Todd Plimpton, guitar; and Clyde Howell, guitar.
(Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)
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Officer Jay Jastal, in the golf cart, was one of several Monett police officers at the park to help supervise the well-behaved crowd. Officers helped direct a large volume of traffic after the fireworks concluded.
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Saying the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the patriotic address.
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Picnickers and people who parked up on the main section of Monett's South Park poured over the bridge to the soccer fields as the time approached on Monday for the patriotic address and the fireworks.
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Staff Sergeant Russ Hagar, at left, with the Missouri Army National Guard, delivered the patriotic address at Monett's Labor Day celebration of the nation's birthday. He is with his brother, Jonathan Hagar, at right, president of the Monett Jaycees and one of the event organizers with Freedom and Fireworks.
(Times Photo by Murray Bishoff)
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